Facial Cleansers Reviews

There are hundreds of skin care products, including facial cleansers, on the market that claim to do everything from clear up acne to erase wrinkles. But do they really work? We turned to the highly rated book Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me and companion website CosmeticsCop.com by Paula Begoun, who combines detailed analysis of ingredients along with hands-on testing to come up with "Paula's Picks." Consumer Reports and Natural Health magazine also provide informative reviews that are backed up by extensive testing as well as scientific opinion. The annual beauty awards presented by virtually every beauty magazine on the market serve as another good resource for finding effective facial cleansers, although some perform better in testing than others.

Every year cosmetics companies introduce a myriad of new products, some which are more notable than others. Still, with all of the advances that have been made in the beauty industry, products for acne-prone skin have remained fairly unchanged. In her review of the best beauty products of 2007, Paula Begoun describes acne products as "a slew of drying cleansers, irritating toners, ineffective BHA products, and a lack of topical disinfectants with benzoyl peroxide." Begoun warns that for acne-prone individuals careful shopping is a must.

For example, Proactiv (*est. $40 for 4 ounces with toner and lotion), though heavily marketed, receives mixed reviews at consumer websites like MakeupAlley.com and iVillage.com. Many consumers say it clears up blemishes within just a few days, but others complain that after an initial period of effectiveness, it suddenly seems as though Proactiv no longer works for them; one person reports her dermatologist's agreement that this is a common finding. Others say Proactiv is too harsh and irritating. Paula Begoun agrees; she says that many of Proactiv's products "contain irritating ingredients that don't help acne-prone skin." She also states that including benzoyl peroxide in a cleanser (as Proactiv does) is effectively useless because the benefits it could provide are essentially washed down the drain. Benzoyl peroxide can also be irritating around the eyes. It should be noted that Begoun does believe that some of Proactiv's products are useful and effective, but not the entire package. In fact, she states that none of the "acne kits" available on the market today are effective in their entirety.

Along with a facial cleanser, you also need a daily facial moisturizer. Please see our separate report on facial moisturizers, the best of which also contain protection from the sun, which is the leading cause of skin damage and a contributor to aging.  ... Continued

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Cetaphil comes in ahead of other cleansers in skin care reviews as a basic, less expensive facial cleanser. It's gentle and good for all skin types, but the Gentle variety is not so good at removing makeup. Aveeno Positively Ageless Daily Exfoliating Cleanser is well rated for gentle cleansing and exfoliating that is safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, while disposable Olay Daily Facials receive equal kudos for convenience. Experts like Clinique Liquid Facial Soap for its cleansing ability and makeup removal for all skin types. Biore is a skin care brand that offers several products for acne-prone skin.